(Newser)
–
A 13-year-old girl fell to her death from a popular narrow trail bordered by steep drops at Utah's Zion National Park, officials said Tuesday. The Utah girl was hiking with family when she tumbled from the Angel's Landing Trail on Monday evening, park ranger John Marciano said. She was quickly discovered by hikers on the West Rim Trail below, per the AP. The girl had done the hike before, and the trail was clear of ice and snow. "It was just a beautiful day. It's at time you wouldn't expect anything to happen," Marciano said. It did not appear that anyone had witnessed the fall, he said. The girl's name and hometown were not immediately released.

Angel's Landing was closed Tuesday morning to investigate the fall from the path that ascends some 1,500 feet above the southern Utah park's red-rock cliffs. There has been about one death each of the last two years on the trail, Marciano said. The iconic trail offers sweeping views of the red-rock park in southern Utah and has become especially popular among visitors inspired by social media posts. But it also comes with dire safety warnings about the danger of falls, Marciano said. Anyone with young children or problems with heights is advised not to make the trek, he said.

Trying to gentrify the out door experience defeats the whole point of it. Paving over everything only shows contempt for what these parks are all about; providing something of a wilderness experience in one of the country's internationally known beauty spots.

Lefty Libby

Feb 7, 2018 3:58 PM CST

It's a national park, not Disneyland. I'm sorry for the child and her loved ones, but it was probably not an age appropriate experience for her. Perhaps the park should reconsider their policies regarding this and similar trails; and, families should think twice before taking minors on such dangerous trails.

UncleJohn

Feb 7, 2018 10:04 AM CST

I've hiked to the top of Angel's Landing. The climb is doable even in moderate health but there are regular periods where you're looking at an old chain, the appearance of a trail, deadly drop-offs all around you, and you question your sanity. I was a little surprised there wasn't a Starbucks at the top.